Extend health credits

There’s a preventable crisis brewing in Washington, D.C., that could easily be treated if Congress truly wants to support the health and well-being of Americans. The physicians of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) implore Congress to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act marketplace plans.

These subsidies have helped expand health insurance coverage for millions of Americans, including 550,000 of our fellow residents in the state of Illinois. Approximately 90% received the tax credits to help lower the cost of monthly payments. If Congress fails to pass the extension, healthcare insurance will likely be unaffordable for many of the plans offered through the federal exchange.

ISMS members care about this issue because it immediately impacts our patients, as well as physicians and healthcare facilities. Without proper health insurance, patients may delay or skip medical care. That means when individuals show up in the emergency department (because that’s where people without health insurance go), they will be sicker. This also puts a burden on physician practices and healthcare facilities when people do not have health insurance through no fault of their own — we all pay for it.

Congress can fix this potential crisis by extending the tax credits for federal exchange plans before the end of the year. Contact Senators Duckworth and Durbin and your U.S. Representative to let them know you support taking care of your neighbor in need of affordable health insurance.

Richard C. Anderson, President

Illinois State Medical Society